Top 5 New TV Series of 2022

With the rise of streaming services, every year brings a flood of new series vying for our time and love. Many fade; some have us counting down to season two. Here are our picks for the best new TV shows of 2022.

— Ashley Hobley

5.) The Afterparty

The Afterparty — key art of the ensemble cast

There was a jolt of excitement each week starting The Afterparty. Not just for fresh clues about Xavier’s murder or to learn more about each suspect, but to see which genre we’d jump to next. One episode’s a rom-com, the next a musical, then a psychological thriller—yet it all clicks into a single, cohesive mystery that sticks the landing.

— Ashley Hobley

4.) Abbott Elementary

Abbott Elementary — the teachers pose in their school hallway

Sweet baby Jesus—and the grown one too—Abbott Elementary is a joyous addition to workplace sitcoms. This mockumentary about teachers trying their best for their kids pairs a hilarious ensemble with breezy, clever writing. It’s one you can watch with the whole family.

— Ashley Hobley

3.) Players

Players — mockumentary poster for the esports team

A faux-doc about a League of Legends team sounds silly on paper, but Players was one of 2022’s funniest surprises. It hooks you with gags and, before you know it, you care deeply about the roster. Even if you don’t know LoL, you’ll laugh—and you’ll root for Creamcheese and the crew.

— Dylan Blight

2.) House of the Dragon

House of the Dragon — Targaryen sigil with dragon

After the divisive final seasons of Game of Thrones, many wrote off the idea of spin-offs. Then House of the Dragon arrived and reminded everyone why Westeros obsessed us in the first place—an assured, character-driven epic and one of 2022’s best debuts.

— Dylan Blight

1.) Andor

Andor — Cassian Andor under the shadow of the Empire

Disney+’s Star Wars output is popular but uneven. Andor doesn’t lean on nostalgia; it trusts its characters, writing, and craft to do the work. The result is prestige TV set in a galaxy far, far away—easily among 2022’s finest new series.

— Dylan Blight

Dylan Blight and Ashley Hobley compiled this Top 5 list. Eligible series premiered between November 15, 2021 – November 15, 2022 and released in Australia via broadcast TV, VOD, or a streaming platform.

BEST OF 2022